Newport B-Line Update October 2017

Newport Update October 2017

The NSW Government's Transport for NSW released an update on their plans for extending the B-Line to Newport this week, the crux of which was to install a roundabout at the corner of Neptune road and Barrenjoey. The proposal has attracted strong criticism from those who live in Newport and those who experience the bottleneck of the roundabout at Kamikazee corner at the Avalon-Bilgola intersections each morning during weekday peak hours.

The initial reaction is this will only compound a growing traffic problem and extend the amount of time commuters will spend waiting to get anywhere.

"It will be like the traffic jam which occurs during Summer on Sundays that extends from Palm Beach through Avalon to the Kamikazee roundabout, only now this will be an extended stop and sit through Newport as well, meaning people will be going nowhere six days a week." one resident remarked.

Others are asking why the B-Line isn't being extended to Palm Beach, especially since so many see buses turning there easily, without a roundabout, and why the newly touted Route 199, originally stated to be running every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends (May 2017) is now just listed as Route 199 with no timing details - see below. Route 199 is designed to fill the gap the L90, which will no longer run in peak-hour, will make. This commences in November too.

Further south people who used the buses once connecting them to Dee Why or Warringah Mall are also distressed about the cancellation of some routes and confused over which or how many buses they will need to get to where they once used to go - some stating they can see themselves walking into Dee Why. Let's hope they are not grey of hair or frail of legs - they too will need to add expensive stopgaps to their going anywhere on time.

The changing of many buses, and the length of time this will add to commutes continues to be a point of dissatisfaction, as is the added cost those who may need to access the perceived stopgap On Demand servicesto connect those who will be off the main routes will need to use to get to a bus stop from Sunday 26 November 2017. This means you, Newport Loop people - unless you're content to catch the 199 to Mona Vale and then change to a B-Line service.

Given that the end of November is heading into the Christmas Season and many will be using buses to get to places, events or to do shopping, there may be a few weeks of confusion and frustration as people figure out the new systems and a testy December holiday season coming up for all.

The other fear is the loss of trees at Newport similar to that which occurred at Mona Vale when the Artists Impression drawings didn't quite fit with what has actually happened. It seems unlikely that Mona Vale's Village Park will ever resemble the Green Common Ground it once was and the planting of the 118 trees planted 'on or near the impacted site'in such a reduced space probably means 'near' now more than 'on'. If a similar cull, prune or lop occurs at Newport there may be a few residents jumping on a bus to Macquarie street with the wounded branches, or trunks, in their hands.

Despite Transport for NSW's latest announcement that 'No multi-deck car park will be built in the Newport Beach car park', the car park itself will be used by commuters just as every other car park from where the L88 at Careel Bay leaves, to the Avalon Beach RSL car park at south Avalon Beach is by morning commuters already. Will this encroach on netball practice in the car park; with no crossing installed near the Neptune street and Barrenjoey road junction, will there be a safe way to cross the road on your way back home?

Residents asked newly elected Councillor for the Narrabeen ward Vincent de Luca OAM to enquire whether the B-Line corridor will be utilised as a means for facilitating 6 storey developments along the route alike those recently proposed or sent to the NSW Government's Planning Panels, such as the very recent; (Planning Proposal 9, 11, 12 & 13 Fern Creek Road, Warriewood: Amend the Height of Building Map to 10.5m and Amend ‘901A - Not more than 192 dwellings or less than 156 dwellings’ as it relates to 13 Fern Creek Road and replace with ‘901A - Not more than 190 dwellings or less than 154 dwellings’ - September 2017) or (Planning Proposal For 2 Orchard St Warriewood - PP0002/17: Increase the residential dwelling density assigned to the affected properties under Clause 6.1 Warriewood Valley Release Area to permit an additional 102 dwellings. Increase the permitted maximum height of buildings on the western portion of the site from 10.5 metres to 14.5 metres and 17.5 metres.- Gateway determination - October 2017 ) or this week's (2 Macpherson Street Warriewood: Planning Proposal seeks to amend the Pittwater Local Environmental Plan 2014 to increase the number of dwellings from 0 to 22 for buffer area 1m in clause 61 Warriewood Valley Release Area. - that's a creekline readers, already rejected once the proponents seek adjustment due to the new Warriewood bridge being constructed).

Mr de Luca asked Council to enquire of the Greater Sydney Commission whether their template (North District) 'facillitates 6 storey development anywhere there is a B-Line' and whether Council 'has any exemption been applied for in view of our already struggling infrastructure?'.

Council received a reply from 'Officers of the Great Sydney Commission (GSC) that verbally advised that the Commission does not have any 'Planning Template' which facilitates 6 storey development anywhere there is a B-Line. Additionally they are not aware of any GSC document which advocates this.

The only GSC documents applying to the Northern Beaches LGA are the Draft District Plan North and the recently released Directions for a Great Sydney 2017-2056 (which applies to the whole Sydney metro area). Neither of this documents include any planning policy around facilitating 8 storey development along B-Line routes.

Written confirmation of this position from the GSC has been requested.'

No B-Line mentioned, nothing about 6 storey plus developments in those words either....

Page 61 states:

Mona Vale

Proposed priorities:

leverage the Mona Vale B-Line stopto facilitate intensification of uses in the centre, with an emphasis on the provision of housingaffordability to retain 18 to 35 year olds

Page 65:

Accessing a greater number of metropolitan jobs and centres within 30 minutes

Northern Beaches B-Line between Mona Vale and Sydney City

The Newport Residents Association, next meeting Tuesday 17th of October, met with Transport for NSWon Monday 9th of October. A summary of some points after their meeting:

Roundabout comments

Are they aware of the current opposition by communities north of Newport to creating another a ‘choke point’ by the installation of the roundabout? Their response was they are yet to consult with those communities.

A minimum diameter roundabout, as shown, does not seem to fit without either a substantial encroachment into the Northern corner private property on Neptune, or a projection into the carpark.

There have been no traffic studies regarding the Roundabout

If the roundabout concept is adopted it would seem logical they consider feeding the entrance and/or exit to the carpark into the roundabout. What further impact would that bring?

It seems highly unlikely that all Norfolks would be preserved as shown. Generally we feel that at least two Norfolk pines would have to go and one of our member’s suggests 5 large and 1 small could be lost due excavation impacts on the root systems. Transport NSW comment these matters are yet to be resolved.

Walkway issues

The 2.4 metre Walkway shown following the Eastern perimeter of the roundabout would further encroach on the carpark. Safety barriers would be additional.

To safely accommodate the 2.4 m Walkway it seems possible that it could be relocated to the Eastern side of the Carpark, encroaching on existing parking spaces and possible deletion of the centre parking spaces

Commuter Car Park

NSW say there will be no dedicated commuter carpark at the surf club (one of the reasons they say that is for it to meet the carpark safety guidelines they would have to lose too many existing car spots).

When asked how the car park would work for commuters and whether the opal card would be used as a parking right as per the new car parks south of Newport, we were unable to get a satisfactory answer, they just reiterated the statement ‘we have listened to community concerns and there will be no commuter car park’.

Other comments

Discussions re adequacy of toilets for drivers (including distance thereto) they say they have no desire to build new ones but they are yet to have discussions with the Bus Union.

What traffic studies have been done re entering and leaving the Surf Club car park? Answer ‘none’.

The impact on the walkway and Norfolk Island Pines of relocating the existing east side beach bus stop and shelter 10 metres further south has not been resolved.

The Newport Residents Association is holding a Community Rally around these issues on Sunday October 22nd at 12.30 p.m. at Newport Surf Club - all welcome.

Transport for NSW is holding drop in sessions so you may ask questions and provide feedback - dates, times and places below - as is their Newport update, including details of how you may provide feedback if unable to attend one of those drop in sessions.

What’s happening at Newport?

The extension of B-Line services to Newport was proposed earlier this year to reduce congestion and provide more frequent and reliable bus services for customers travelling between the Northern Beaches and the Sydney CBD.

Transport for NSW has been working with key stakeholders to look at options for B-Line services to Newport. To minimise any impacts on the local community, all B-Line stops would be at existing bus stop locations and there are no changes proposed to parking conditions at the Newport shops on Barrenjoey Road.

The preferred option is to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Neptune and Barrenjoey Roads to turn buses around.

Two B-Line bus stops at the existing northbound and southbound stops on Barrenjoey Road at Newport shops are proposed. There would also be a southbound B-Line stop on Barrenjoey Road near Newport Beach at the existing bus stop site. Buses would stop and wait at this location before starting their next service back toward the city.

The B-Line bus stops would have weather protection and real time service information.

This option would ensure B-Line buses can pick up and drop off close to the town centre, at the existing stops, turn around safely and continue service toward the city. The roundabout would also improve turning traffic conditions from Neptune Road and help reduce traffic speed near the beach.

See over the page for more details on the proposed roundabout and how you can have your say.

Quick facts

• No ‘bus terminals’ or ‘bus depots’ will be built in Newport

• No multi-deck car park will be built in the Newport Beach car park

• B-Line will not facilitate any changes to land use zoning in Newport

• B-Line buses will not use Coles Parade, Foamcrest Avenue, Seaview Avenue, Ross Street or Bramley Avenue (or any other residential side street)

• Frequent, reliable, turn-up and-go bus service for customers travelling between Newport and the Sydney CBD in 2018

• The proposed roundabout to be designed to minimise impacts on vegetation, including the Norfolk Island Pines

• Improvements to local pedestrian and cycling links

• Footpath and landscaping upgrades

Have Your Say

We want your feedback on the proposal to construct a roundabout on the corner of Neptune and Barrenjoey Roads to turn the buses around. Your feedback will help us understand what is important to the community, and help us prepare a Review of Environmental Factors that will be released for consultation early next year.

Visit one of our upcoming drop in sessions to meet with the project team, ask questions and provide your feedback.

Feedback on the early design for the roundabout will be used to develop a Review of Environmental Factors (REF). The REF will consider potential impacts associated with the construction of infrastructure and operation of B-Line services to Newport including traffic, flora and fauna, noise and heritage.

Feedback on the REF will be invited when it is placed on public display early next year. There will be further community engagement activities at this time.

Upcoming night work

Early work including surveying and service investigation is required to help us understand where existing water, sewer and electricity are located.

For the safety of our workers and to minimise traffic disruption, service investigation and soil sampling work will take place on Barrenjoey and Neptune Roads over five nights, from 7pm to 5am, between Monday 13 November and Monday 27 November.

Equipment to be used includes:

• concrete saws

• sucker trucks

• power and hand tools

• lighting equipment

• generators

This type of investigative work will be used to help prepare the REF. Noisy work will be completed earlier in the evening to minimise impacts on the community.

When will B-Line services be available in Newport?

Phased introduction of B-Line services is scheduled to start later this year between Mona Vale and Wynyard.

We understand how important consultation and planning the proposed extension of services to Newport is to the community. To ensure we get the best outcome for our customers and the broader community, B-Line services to Newport would start in late 2018 after we complete the consultation and planning approval process.

Accessing B-Line services

In the interim, customers north of Mona Vale will be able to use the new 199 service between Palm Beach and Manly to access turn-up-and-go B-Line services at Mona Vale. The 199 service will operate frequently.

Larger ‘bendy’ buses will be used on route 199 to provide additional seating capacity.

Customers will also be able to catch the L90, E88 and E89 to the city.

Contact us For further information please visit the website at b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au, call 1800 048 751 or email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au

This service runs from Palm Beach, south to North Narrabeen and west to Chiltern Road to nearby transport hubs, including new B-Line bus stops from late 2017.

Hours of operation

Services run during the following times:

Monday to Friday, 6am–10pm

Saturday, 7am–7pm

Sunday, 7am–5pm

Bookings and fares

You can book this service via an app, online or by phone. You will receive a booking confirmation and an estimated pick-up and drop-off time at your chosen location. Bookings are subject to availability.

A one-way trip will cost $3.10. Half price fares will be available for concession card holders, including pensioners, seniors, students and apprentices.

Previously

Investigative Drilling is currently being undertaken in Beeby Park Mona Vale and Village Park Mona Vale by Transport NSW. They are looking at potential sites to build the bus rapid transit interchange. A number of sights are being looked at around the MV CBD.

MVRA contacted Transport NSW this week and found out there are 5-6 sites under investigation around Mona Vale.

The state owned Bus depot in Darley Street is also being looked at as a potential transport hub. This is a site that the Mona Vale Residents Association think should be seriously considered as it will not have an impact on green open space and will be far better for traffic movements.

We are now seeking a meeting regarding this matter with Transport NSW. It is disappointing that communication with the community had completely been ignored.

The new Northern Beaches Bus Service Plan - by suburb

New route 199 will operate as a full time, all-stops service between Palm Beach and Manly via Avalon, Newport shops, Newport loop, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). Route 199 will provide connections to B-line services at Newport.

Route L90 will continue to operate during weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes.For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport.

Route E88 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E88 services will be provided.

Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport.

Bilgola and Clareville

Routes 191 and 192 will now operate every 30 minutes across the day.

Route E89 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City.

Route E88 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E88 services will be provided.

Route E89 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Narrabeen then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City.

Route L90 will continue to operate during weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch route 199 and connect to B-Line services at Newport, or routes E88 or E89 at any bus stop along Barrenjoey Road.

Routes 187 and L87 will no longer operate. For travel to North Sydney and Milsons Point, use B-line services or route 199 to Mona Vale, and connect to frequent route E54 services to North Sydney and Milsons Point during weekday peak periods.

Route E87 will no longer operate. For travel to the City, catch B-Line services at Newport, or routes E88 or E89 at any bus stop along Barrenjoey Road.

Services via the Newport Loop will be provided by routes 199 and L90.

Church Point and Bayview

Route 156 will be modified to operate between McCarrs Creek and Mona Vale, with increased frequencies across the day. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale.

Route E86 will no longer operate. For travel to the City, use route 156 and connect to B-Line services at Mona Vale.

Route 155 will be modified to operate between Bayview Garden Village and Narrabeen only via Narrabeen Peninsula and no longer operate to Manly. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale or Narrabeen.

Route 155 will be modified to operate between Bayview Garden Village, Mona Vale and Narrabeen only, and no longer operate to Manly. For travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, connect to the all-stops route 199 at Mona Vale or Narrabeen.

Route 156 will be modified to operate between McCarrs Creek, Church Point and Mona Vale only. For all-stops travel to Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly, use route 199.

Route L60 to Chatswood will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.

Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) only. Route 185 in the Samuel Street, Parkland Road and Waratah Street area will be replaced by route 182 which will be modified to operate in this area.

Route L85 will no longer operate, replaced by all-stops route 185 to Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). For travel to the City connect with B-line services at Narrabeen.

Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City outside of these times, catch new B-line services or routes E88 or E89.

Route E85 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional services will be provided.

Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road). For travel to the City, connect to B-Line services at any B-Line bus stop between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).

Route L85 will no longer operate, replaced by route 185. For travel to the City, connect to B-line services at Narrabeen.

Elanora Heights

Route E83 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E83 services will be provided.

Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).

Route 155 and 156 would no longer operate in the Collaroy area. For travel to Mona Vale, Dee Why, Warringah Mall or Manly use route 199.

Routes E88 and E89 will no longer stop at Collaroy. For travel to Neutral Bay or the City use B-Line services.

Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am-10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City during weekday peak periods, catch B-Line services.

Route L80 to the City will be renumbered to route E80 and will operate all stops to Dee Why, then stopping only at Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road), Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E80 services will be provided.

Route L60 will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.

Route 179 will no longer operate. New route 146 will replace route 179 between Wheeler Heights and Warringah Mall. For travel to the City, transfer to B-line services at Warringah Mall.

Route E69 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Neutral Bay (Watson Street) and the City. Additional route E69 services will be provided.

Route 185 will be modified to operate between Mona Vale and Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road).

Routes 155 and 156 will no longer operate in the Dee Why area. For travel to Mona Vale, use route 199 and for travel to Warringah Mall and Manly use routes 146, 169 or 199.

Route 179 will no longer operate. For all-stops services to the City via Balgowlah, use routes 178 and 180.

Route L60 to Chatswood will be renumbered to route E60, and will be altered to operate via Warringah Road through Narraweena and Beacon Hill. Route E60 will also be altered to operate via Boundary Road and Archer Street in Chatswood. Additional services will be provided.

Route L90 will continue to operate during the weekday off-peak (9:00am-3:00pm) and weekends (7:00am- 10:00pm), with a service frequency of 60 minutes. For travel to the City during weekday peak periods, catch B-Line services.

New route E75 will operate between Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and the City, via Condamine Street, Balgowlah Shops and Sydney Road. The service will operate all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Route E75 services will operate during weekday peak periods.

There will be no changes to routes 132, 135, 142, 178, 180, E66, E76, E77, E78 and E79.

Seaforth and North Balgowlah

Route 145 will be modified, no longer operating via North Seaforth.

Route 168 will be modified to operate to Milsons Point only. Services to the City will continue to be provided by route E68.

Route E41 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 132, 143 and 144.

Route E68 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction, and then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E68 services will be provided.

Route E69 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City. Additional route E69 services will be provided.

There will be no changes to routes 143, 144, 169, E69, 173, 178, 180 and 248.

Route 130 (Pumpkin Bus) will no longer operate. Late night services from Manly on Friday and Saturday nights will be provided by additional services on routes 136, 142 and 169.

Route 131 will no longer operate. Evening services to Balgowlah Heights, Seaforth and North Balgowlah will be provided by route 132.

Route E36 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 136 and 139.

Route E41 will no longer operate. Services to and from Manly to connect with the Manly Ferry will be provided by routes 132, 143 and 144.

Route 135 will be extended to operate to and from North Fort Museum on all trips during the weekday off peak and weekend.

Routes 155 and 156 will no longer operate to and from Manly. These routes will be replaced by routes 146, 169 and 199.

Route 140 will no longer operate. Alternative travel between Manly and Macquarie Park is available by routes 143 and 144 to St Leonards, and connecting to other buses or Sydney Trains services.

Route E70 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City.

Route E71 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E71 services will be provided.

Route E50 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Seaforth then stopping only at Watson Street and then all stops from Miller Street to Milsons Point.

There will be no changes to routes 132, 136, 139, 142, 143, 144, 158, 159 and 169.

Balgowlah and Balgowlah Heights

New route E75 will operate between Warringah Mall (Pittwater Road) and the City, via Condamine Street, Balgowlah Shops and Sydney Road. The service will operate all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Route E75 services will operate during weekday peak periods.

Route 131 will no longer operate. Evening services to and from Manly will be provided by route 132.

Route E50 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Seaforth then stopping only at Watson Street and then all stops from Miller Street to Milsons Point.

Route 168 will be modified to operate to Milsons Point only. Services to the City will continue to be provided by route E68.

Route E68 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction, and then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E68 services will be provided.

Route E70 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Avona Crescent, Seaforth then stopping only at Cremorne Junction, Watson Street and the City.

Route 171 will no longer operate. Additional services will be provided on route E71.

Route E71 will have a modified stopping pattern, with services operating all stops to Spit Junction then stopping only at Neutral Bay Junction and the City. Additional route E71 services will be provided.

Route 185 will no longer operate in the Balgowlah area. For travel to the City, use routes 178 and 180.